Getting Your QLD Provisional Licence (Red and Green Ps)

Getting a provisional licence means you will finally be allowed to drive solo without a supervisor. It’s a great feeling of freedom and almost a necessity in a big state like Queensland where it’s difficult to rely on others or use public transport at all times.

But it’s important to remember that you will still be subject to certain restrictions as long as you carry the P1 or P2 licence and that progressing to an open licence is not as straight-forward as most people think. This article will cover.

Queensland P1 Provisional Licence (Red Ps)

The P1 licence is issued when you pass the Q-safe practical driving test. You must hold the provisional P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you can move on to the P2 (Green Ps) by completing the Hazard Perception Test.

You won’t be able to progress from the P1-stage if you are younger than 18 years old.

P2 Provisional Licence (Green Ps)

The P2 licence is issued when you pass

• the Hazard Perception Test for drivers under 25
• the Q-Safe Practical Driving Test for drivers 25 and older

You must hold the provisional P2 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you can move on to an open licence, except if you are younger than 23 years old when you received the P1 licence. If you were younger than 23, you’ll have to hold the P2 licence for a minimum of 24 months.

Periods of disqualification, suspension, expiration and cancellation do not count towards the required minimum holding period.

QLD P1/P2 Licence Restrictions

Restrictions for provisional licence holders in Queensland:

• You must carry your provisional licence at all times
• Your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) must be zero
• Your demerit points limit for a year is 4 (i.e. you will be suspended if you incur 4 or more demerit points within a year)
• You must have clearly visible ‘P’-plates on the front and rear of the vehicle
• You are not allowed to supervise a learner
• If licence gets cancelled/suspended, late-night driving restrictions may apply

Provisional Drivers Restrictions Based on Age

There are also additional restrictions on P1 and P2 holders under a certain age.

• P1 and P2 Licence Holders under 25 must not drive vehicles with any of the following: 8 or more cylinders (diesels are exempt), a turbocharged/supercharged engine (diesels are exempt), or performance-increasing modifications.
• P1 Licence holders 25 or younger are not allowed to use a mobile phone, including hands free, and must not carry more than 1 passenger under 21 years of age from 11 pm to 5 am (unless members of your immediate family).